Method and apparatus for transporting a plurality of stacked motorized transport units

ABSTRACT

A housing contains a plurality of motorized transport units in a stacked relationship to one another, with a bottom-most one of the plurality of motorized transport units serving as a locomotion mechanism that selectively causes movement of the housing with the plurality of motorized transport units contained therein. By one approach the aforementioned housing has a cylindrical form factor and includes a cylindrically-shaped chamber configured to receive the motorized transport units. By one approach, for example, this housing includes no lifting mechanism to lift any of the motorized transport units into itself and further has no integral locomotion mechanism by which the housing can move itself. The interior of the housing can include at least one track formed therein to receive a corresponding part of each of the plurality of motorized transport units which the motorized transport units can engage to thereby lift themselves into the interior of the housing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/061,054, filed Mar. 4, 2016, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and which claims the benefit of each of thefollowing U.S. Provisional applications, each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Provisional Application No.62/129,726, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket 8842-134158-US (587US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/129,727, filed Mar. 6, 2015, Docket8842-134268-US (615US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/138,877,filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-134162-US (610US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/138,885, filed Mar. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-134209-US(635US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,421, filed Apr. 24,2015, Docket 8842-134155-US (608US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/152,465, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134161-US (603US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/152,440, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket8842-134208-US (611US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,630,filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134249-US (612US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/152,711, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134269-US(626US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/152,610, filed Apr. 24,2015, Docket 8842-134574-US (623US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/152,667, filed Apr. 24, 2015, Docket 8842-134575-US (663US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/157,388, filed May 5, 2015, Docket8842-134573-US (606US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,579,filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134576-US (677US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/165,416, filed May 22, 2015, Docket 8842-134589-US(624US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/165,586, filed May 22,2015, Docket 8842-134945-US (732US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/171,822, filed Jun. 5, 2015, Docket 8842-134250-US (621US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/175,182, filed Jun. 12, 2015, Docket8842-135963-US (726US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/182,339,filed Jun. 19, 2015, Docket 8842-135961-US (749US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/185,478, filed Jun. 26, 2015, Docket 8842-136023-US(742US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,131, filed Jul. 17,2015, Docket 8842-135962-US (739US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/194,119, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136020-US (728US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/194,121, filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket8842-136022-US (740US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/194,127,filed Jul. 17, 2015, Docket 8842-136024-US (743US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/202,744, filed Aug. 7, 2015, Docket 8842-135956-US(764US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/202,747, filed Aug. 7,2015, Docket 8842-136021-US (734US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/205,548, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-135959-US (751US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/205,569, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket8842-136123-US (680US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/205,555,filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136124-US (741US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/205,539, filed Aug. 14, 2015, Docket 8842-136651-US(919US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/207,858, filed Aug. 20,2015, Docket 8842-136508-US (854US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/214,826, filed Sep. 4, 2015, Docket 8842-136026-US (746US01); U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/214,824, filed Sep. 4, 2015, Docket8842-136025-US (744US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/292,084,filed Feb. 5, 2016, Docket 8842-137833-US (925US01); U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/302,547, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-136125-US(748US01); U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,567, filed Mar. 2,2016, Docket 8842-138040-US (731US01); U.S. Provisional Application No.62/302,713, filed Mar. 2, 2016, Docket 8842-137834-US (932US01); andU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/303,021, filed Mar. 3, 2016, Docket8842-137831-US (636US01).

TECHNICAL FIELD

These teachings relate generally to shopping environments and moreparticularly to devices, systems, and methods for assisting customersand/or workers in those shopping environments.

BACKGROUND

In a modern retail store environment, there is a need to improve thecustomer experience and/or convenience for the customer. Whethershopping in a large format (big box) store or smaller format(neighborhood) store, customers often require assistance that employeesof the store are not always able to provide. For example, particularlyduring peak hours, there may not be enough employees available to assistcustomers such that customer questions go unanswered. Additionally, dueto high employee turnover rates, available employees may not be fullytrained or have access to information to adequately support customers.Other routine tasks also are difficult to keep up with, particularlyduring peak hours. For example, shopping carts are left abandoned,aisles become messy, inventory is not displayed in the proper locationsor is not even placed on the sales floor, shelf prices may not beproperly set, and theft is hard to discourage. All of these issues canresult in low customer satisfaction or reduced convenience to thecustomer. With increasing competition from non-traditional shoppingmechanisms, such as online shopping provided by e-commerce merchants andalternative store formats, it can be important for “brick and mortar”retailers to focus on improving the overall customer experience and/orconvenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision ofembodiments of systems, devices, and methods designed to provideassistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility, such asdescribed in the following detailed description, particularly whenstudied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 comprises a block diagram of a shopping assistance system asconfigured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrations of a motorized transport unit of thesystem of FIG. 1 in a retracted orientation and an extended orientationin accordance with some embodiments;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrations of the motorized transport unit ofFIGS. 2A and 2B detachably coupling to a movable item container, such asa shopping cart, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 comprises a block diagram of a motorized transport unit asconfigured in accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 5 comprises a block diagram of a computer device as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 6 comprises a flow diagram as configured in accordance with variousembodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 7 comprises a perspective view as configured in accordance withvarious embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 8 comprises a block diagram as configured in accordance withvarious embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 9 comprises an interior front elevational detail view as configuredin accordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 10 comprises an interior perspective detail view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 11 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 12 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 13 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 14 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 15 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 16 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings;

FIG. 17 comprises a front elevational schematic view as configured inaccordance with various embodiments of these teachings; and

FIG. 18 comprises a perspective top view as configured in accordancewith various embodiments of these teachings.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity andhave not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsand/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improveunderstanding of various embodiments of the present teachings. Also,common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in acommercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order tofacilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of thepresent teachings. Certain actions and/or steps may be described ordepicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in theart will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence isnot actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have theordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressionsby persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above exceptwhere different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but ismade merely for the purpose of describing the general principles ofexemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specificationmay, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Generally speaking, pursuant to various embodiments, systems, devicesand methods are provided for assistance of persons at a shoppingfacility. Generally, assistance may be provided to customers or shoppersat the facility and/or to workers at the facility. The facility may beany type of shopping facility at a location in which products fordisplay and/or for sale are variously distributed throughout theshopping facility space. The shopping facility may be a retail salesfacility, or any other type of facility in which products are displayedand/or sold. The shopping facility may include one or more of salesfloor areas, checkout locations (i.e., point of sale (POS) locations),customer service areas other than checkout locations (such as serviceareas to handle returns), parking locations, entrance and exit areas,stock room areas, stock receiving areas, hallway areas, common areasshared by merchants, and so on. Generally, a shopping facility includesareas that may be dynamic in terms of the physical structures occupyingthe space or area and objects, items, machinery and/or persons moving inthe area. For example, the sales floor area may include product storageunits, shelves, racks, modules, bins, etc., and other walls, dividers,partitions, etc. that may be configured in different layouts or physicalarrangements. In other example, persons or other movable objects may befreely and independently traveling through the shopping facility space.And in another example, the persons or movable objects move according toknown travel patterns and timing. The facility may be any size of formatfacility, and may include products from one or more merchants. Forexample, a facility may be a single store operated by one merchant ormay be a collection of stores covering multiple merchants such as amall.

Generally, the system makes use of automated, robotic mobile devices,e.g., motorized transport units, that are capable of self-poweredmovement through a space of the shopping facility and providing anynumber of functions. Movement and operation of such devices may becontrolled by a central computer system or may be autonomouslycontrolled by the motorized transport units themselves. Variousembodiments provide one or more user interfaces to allow various usersto interact with the system including the automated mobile devicesand/or to directly interact with the automated mobile devices. In someembodiments, the automated mobile devices and the corresponding systemserve to enhance a customer shopping experience in the shoppingfacility, e.g., by assisting shoppers and/or workers at the facility.

In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance systemcomprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in andconfigured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality ofuser interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorizedtransport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit;and a central computer system having a network interface such that thecentral computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of theplurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of userinterface units, wherein the central computer system is configured tocontrol movement of the plurality of motorized transport units throughthe shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the pluralityof user interface units.

System Overview

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of ashopping facility assistance system 100 that can serve to carry out atleast some of the teachings set forth herein. It will be understood thatthe details of this example are intended to serve in an illustrativecapacity and are not necessarily intended to suggest any limitations asregards the present teachings. It is noted that generally, FIGS. 1-5describe the general functionality of several embodiments of a system,and FIGS. 6-18 expand on some functionalities of some embodiments of thesystem and/or embodiments independent of such systems.

In the example of FIG. 1, a shopping assistance system 100 isimplemented in whole or in part at a shopping facility 101. Generally,the system 100 includes one or more motorized transport units (MTUs)102; one or more item containers 104; a central computer system 106having at least one control circuit 108, at least one memory 110 and atleast one network interface 112; at least one user interface unit 114; alocation determination system 116; at least one video camera 118; atleast one motorized transport unit (MTU) dispenser 120; at least onemotorized transport unit (MTU) docking station 122; at least onewireless network 124; at least one database 126; at least one userinterface computer device 128; an item display module 130; and a lockeror an item storage unit 132. It is understood that more or fewer of suchcomponents may be included in different embodiments of the system 100.

These motorized transport units 102 are located in the shopping facility101 and are configured to move throughout the shopping facility space.Further details regarding such motorized transport units 102 appearfurther below. Generally speaking, these motorized transport units 102are configured to either comprise, or to selectively couple to, acorresponding movable item container 104. A simple example of an itemcontainer 104 would be a shopping cart as one typically finds at manyretail facilities, or a rocket cart, a flatbed cart or any other mobilebasket or platform that may be used to gather items for potentialpurchase.

In some embodiments, these motorized transport units 102 wirelesslycommunicate with, and are wholly or largely controlled by, the centralcomputer system 106. In particular, in some embodiments, the centralcomputer system 106 is configured to control movement of the motorizedtransport units 102 through the shopping facility space based on avariety of inputs. For example, the central computer system 106communicates with each motorized transport unit 102 via the wirelessnetwork 124 which may be one or more wireless networks of one or morewireless network types (such as, a wireless local area network, awireless personal area network, a wireless mesh network, a wireless starnetwork, a wireless wide area network, a cellular network, and so on),capable of providing wireless coverage of the desired range of themotorized transport units 102 according to any known wireless protocols,including but not limited to a cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee or Bluetoothnetwork.

By one approach the central computer system 106 is a computer baseddevice and includes at least one control circuit 108, at least onememory 110 and at least one wired and/or wireless network interface 112.Such a control circuit 108 can comprise a fixed-purpose hard-wiredplatform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmable platform,such as a microcontroller, an application specification integratedcircuit, a field programmable gate array, and so on. These architecturaloptions are well known and understood in the art and require no furtherdescription here. This control circuit 108 is configured (for example,by using corresponding programming stored in the memory 110 as will bewell understood by those skilled in the art) to carry out one or more ofthe steps, actions, and/or functions described herein.

In this illustrative example the control circuit 108 operably couples toone or more memories 110. The memory 110 may be integral to the controlcircuit 108 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part) from thecontrol circuit 108 as desired. This memory 110 can also be local withrespect to the control circuit 108 (where, for example, both share acommon circuit board, chassis, power supply, and/or housing) or can bepartially or wholly remote with respect to the control circuit 108(where, for example, the memory 110 is physically located in anotherfacility, metropolitan area, or even country as compared to the controlcircuit 108).

This memory 110 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily store thecomputer instructions that, when executed by the control circuit 108,cause the control circuit 108 to behave as described herein. (As usedherein, this reference to “non-transitorily” will be understood to referto a non-ephemeral state for the stored contents (and hence excludeswhen the stored contents merely constitute signals or waves) rather thanvolatility of the storage media itself and hence includes bothnon-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well as volatilememory (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM).)

Additionally, at least one database 126 may be accessible by the centralcomputer system 106. Such databases may be integrated into the centralcomputer system 106 or separate from it. Such databases may be at thelocation of the shopping facility 101 or remote from the shoppingfacility 101. Regardless of location, the databases comprise memory tostore and organize certain data for use by the central control system106. In some embodiments, the at least one database 126 may store datapertaining to one or more of: shopping facility mapping data, customerdata, customer shopping data and patterns, inventory data, productpricing data, and so on.

In this illustrative example, the central computer system 106 alsowirelessly communicates with a plurality of user interface units 114.These teachings will accommodate a variety of user interface unitsincluding, but not limited to, mobile and/or handheld electronic devicessuch as so-called smart phones and portable computers such astablet/pad-styled computers. Generally speaking, these user interfaceunits 114 should be able to wirelessly communicate with the centralcomputer system 106 via a wireless network, such as the wireless network124 of the shopping facility 101 (such as a Wi-Fi wireless network).These user interface units 114 generally provide a user interface forinteraction with the system. In some embodiments, a given motorizedtransport unit 102 is paired with, associated with, assigned to orotherwise made to correspond with a given user interface unit 114. Insome embodiments, these user interface units 114 should also be able toreceive verbally-expressed input from a user and forward that content tothe central computer system 106 or a motorized transport unit 102 and/orconvert that verbally-expressed input into a form useful to the centralcomputer system 106 or a motorized transport unit 102.

By one approach at least some of the user interface units 114 belong tocorresponding customers who have come to the shopping facility 101 toshop. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing or in combinationtherewith, at least some of the user interface units 114 belong to theshopping facility 101 and are loaned to individual customers to employas described herein. In some embodiments, one or more user interfaceunits 114 are attachable to a given movable item container 104 or areintegrated with the movable item container 104. Similarly, in someembodiments, one or more user interface units 114 may be those ofshopping facility workers, belong to the shopping facility 101 and areloaned to the workers, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the user interface units 114 may be general purposecomputer devices that include computer programming code to allow it tointeract with the system 106. For example, such programming may be inthe form of an application installed on the user interface unit 114 orin the form of a browser that displays a user interface provided by thecentral computer system 106 or other remote computer or server (such asa web server). In some embodiments, one or more user interface units 114may be special purpose devices that are programmed to primarily functionas a user interface for the system 100. Depending on the functionalityand use case, user interface units 114 may be operated by customers ofthe shopping facility or may be operated by workers at the shoppingfacility, such as facility employees (associates or colleagues),vendors, suppliers, contractors, etc.

By one approach, the system 100 optionally includes one or more videocameras 118. Captured video imagery from such a video camera 118 can beprovided to the central computer system 106. That information can thenserve, for example, to help the central computer system 106 determine apresent location of one or more of the motorized transport units 102and/or determine issues or concerns regarding automated movement ofthose motorized transport units 102 in the shopping facility space. Asone simple example in these regards, such video information can permitthe central computer system 106, at least in part, to detect an objectin a path of movement of a particular one of the motorized transportunits 102.

By one approach these video cameras 118 comprise existing surveillanceequipment employed at the shopping facility 101 to serve, for example,various security purposes. By another approach these video cameras 118are dedicated to providing video content to the central computer system106 to facilitate the latter's control of the motorized transport units102. If desired, the video cameras 118 can have a selectively movablefield of view and/or zoom capability that the central computer system106 controls as appropriate to help ensure receipt of useful informationat any given moment.

In some embodiments, a location detection system 116 is provided at theshopping facility 101. The location detection system 116 provides inputto the central computer system 106 useful to help determine the locationof one or more of the motorized transport units 102. In someembodiments, the location detection system 116 includes a series oflight sources (e.g., LEDs (light-emitting diodes)) that are mounted inthe ceiling at known positions throughout the space and that each encodedata in the emitted light that identifies the source of the light (andthus, the location of the light). As a given motorized transport unit102 moves through the space, light sensors (or light receivers) at themotorized transport unit 102, on the movable item container 104 and/orat the user interface unit 114 receive the light and can decode thedata. This data is sent back to the central computer system 106 whichcan determine the position of the motorized transport unit 102 by thedata of the light it receives, since it can relate the light data to amapping of the light sources to locations at the facility 101.Generally, such lighting systems are known and commercially available,e.g., the ByteLight system from ByteLight of Boston, Mass. Inembodiments using a ByteLight system, a typical display screen of thetypical smart phone device can be used as a light sensor or lightreceiver to receive and process data encoded into the light from theByteLight light sources.

In other embodiments, the location detection system 116 includes aseries of low energy radio beacons (e.g., Bluetooth low energy beacons)at known positions throughout the space and that each encode data in theemitted radio signal that identifies the beacon (and thus, the locationof the beacon). As a given motorized transport unit 102 moves throughthe space, low energy receivers at the motorized transport unit 102, onthe movable item container 104 and/or at the user interface unit 114receive the radio signal and can decode the data. This data is sent backto the central computer system 106 which can determine the position ofthe motorized transport unit 102 by the location encoded in the radiosignal it receives, since it can relate the location data to a mappingof the low energy radio beacons to locations at the facility 101.Generally, such low energy radio systems are known and commerciallyavailable. In embodiments using a Bluetooth low energy radio system, atypical Bluetooth radio of a typical smart phone device can be used as areceiver to receive and process data encoded into the Bluetooth lowenergy radio signals from the Bluetooth low energy beacons.

In still other embodiments, the location detection system 116 includes aseries of audio beacons at known positions throughout the space and thateach encode data in the emitted audio signal that identifies the beacon(and thus, the location of the beacon). As a given motorized transportunit 102 moves through the space, microphones at the motorized transportunit 102, on the movable item container 104 and/or at the user interfaceunit 114 receive the audio signal and can decode the data. This data issent back to the central computer system 106 which can determine theposition of the motorized transport unit 102 by the location encoded inthe audio signal it receives, since it can relate the location data to amapping of the audio beacons to locations at the facility 101.Generally, such audio beacon systems are known and commerciallyavailable. In embodiments using an audio beacon system, a typicalmicrophone of a typical smart phone device can be used as a receiver toreceive and process data encoded into the audio signals from the audiobeacon.

Also optionally, the central computer system 106 can operably couple toone or more user interface computers 128 (comprising, for example, adisplay and a user input interface such as a keyboard, touch screen,and/or cursor-movement device). Such a user interface computer 128 canpermit, for example, a worker (e.g., an associate, analyst, etc.) at theretail or shopping facility 101 to monitor the operations of the centralcomputer system 106 and/or to attend to any of a variety ofadministrative, configuration or evaluation tasks as may correspond tothe programming and operation of the central computer system 106. Suchuser interface computers 128 may be at or remote from the location ofthe facility 101 and may access one or more the databases 126.

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one motorizedtransport unit (MTU) storage unit or dispenser 120 at various locationsin the shopping facility 101. The dispenser 120 provides for storage ofmotorized transport units 102 that are ready to be assigned to customersand/or workers. In some embodiments, the dispenser 120 takes the form ofa cylinder within which motorized transports units 102 are stacked andreleased through the bottom of the dispenser 120. Further details ofsuch embodiments are provided further below. In some embodiments, thedispenser 120 may be fixed in location or may be mobile and capable oftransporting itself to a given location or utilizing a motorizedtransport unit 102 to transport the dispenser 120, then dispense one ormore motorized transport units 102.

In some embodiments, the system 100 includes at least one motorizedtransport unit (MTU) docking station 122. These docking stations 122provide locations where motorized transport units 102 can travel andconnect to. For example, the motorized transport units 102 may be storedand charged at the docking station 122 for later use, and/or may beserviced at the docking station 122.

In accordance with some embodiments, a given motorized transport unit102 detachably connects to a movable item container 104 and isconfigured to move the movable item container 104 through the shoppingfacility space under control of the central computer system 106 and/orthe user interface unit 114. For example, a motorized transport unit 102can move to a position underneath a movable item container 104 (such asa shopping cart, a rocket cart, a flatbed cart, or any other mobilebasket or platform), align itself with the movable item container 104(e.g., using sensors) and then raise itself to engage an undersurface ofthe movable item container 104 and lift a portion of the movable itemcontainer 104. Once the motorized transport unit is cooperating with themovable item container 104 (e.g., lifting a portion of the movable itemcontainer), the motorized transport unit 102 can continue to movethroughout the facility space 101 taking the movable item container 104with it. In some examples, the motorized transport unit 102 takes theform of the motorized transport unit 202 of FIGS. 2A-3B as it engagesand detachably connects to a given movable item container 104. It isunderstood that in other embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102may not lift a portion of the movable item container 104, but that itremovably latches to, connects to or otherwise attaches to a portion ofthe movable item container 104 such that the movable item container 104can be moved by the motorized transport unit 102. For example, themotorized transport unit 102 can connect to a given movable itemcontainer using a hook, a mating connector, a magnet, and so on.

In addition to detachably coupling to movable item containers 104 (suchas shopping carts), in some embodiments, motorized transport units 102can move to and engage or connect to an item display module 130 and/oran item storage unit or locker 132. For example, an item display module130 may take the form of a mobile display rack or shelving unitconfigured to house and display certain items for sale. It may bedesired to position the display module 130 at various locations withinthe shopping facility 101 at various times. Thus, one or more motorizedtransport units 102 may move (as controlled by the central computersystem 106) underneath the item display module 130, extend upward tolift the module 130 and then move it to the desired location. A storagelocker 132 may be a storage device where items for purchase arecollected and placed therein for a customer and/or worker to laterretrieve. In some embodiments, one or more motorized transport units 102may be used to move the storage locker to a desired location in theshopping facility 101. Similar to how a motorized transport unit engagesa movable item container 104 or item display module 130, one or moremotorized transport units 102 may move (as controlled by the centralcomputer system 106) underneath the storage locker 132, extend upward tolift the locker 132 and then move it to the desired location.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate some embodiments of a motorized transportunit 202, similar to the motorized transport unit 102 shown in thesystem of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the motorized transport unit 202takes the form of a disc-shaped robotic device having motorized wheels(not shown), a lower body portion 204 and an upper body portion 206 thatfits over at least part of the lower body portion 204. It is noted thatin other embodiments, the motorized transport unit may have other shapesand/or configurations, and is not limited to disc-shaped. For example,the motorized transport unit may be cubic, octagonal, triangular, orother shapes, and may be dependent on a movable item container withwhich the motorized transport unit is intended to cooperate. Alsoincluded are guide members 208. In FIG. 2A, the motorized transport unit202 is shown in a retracted position in which the upper body portion 206fits over the lower body portion 204 such that the motorized transportunit 202 is in its lowest profile orientation which is generally thepreferred orientation for movement when it is unattached to a movableitem container 104 for example. In FIG. 2B, the motorized transport unit202 is shown in an extended position in which the upper body portion 206is moved upward relative to the lower body portion 204 such that themotorized transport unit 202 is in its highest profile orientation formovement when it is lifting and attaching to a movable item container104 for example. The mechanism within the motorized transport unit 202is designed to provide sufficient lifting force to lift the weight ofthe upper body portion 206 and other objects to be lifted by themotorized transport unit 202, such as movable item containers 104 anditems placed within the movable item container, item display modules 130and items supported by the item display module, and storage lockers 132and items placed within the storage locker. The guide members 208 areembodied as pegs or shafts that extend horizontally from the both theupper body portion 206 and the lower body portion 204. In someembodiments, these guide members 208 assist docking the motorizedtransport unit 202 to a docking station 122 or a dispenser 120. In someembodiments, the lower body portion 204 and the upper body portion arecapable to moving independently of each other. For example, the upperbody portion 206 may be raised and/or rotated relative to the lower bodyportion 204. That is, one or both of the upper body portion 206 and thelower body portion 204 may move toward/away from the other or rotatedrelative to the other. In some embodiments, in order to raise the upperbody portion 206 relative to the lower body portion 204, the motorizedtransport unit 202 includes an internal lifting system (e.g., includingone or more electric actuators or rotary drives or motors). Numerousexamples of such motorized lifting and rotating systems are known in theart. Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not providedhere for the sake of brevity.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate some embodiments of the motorized transportunit 202 detachably engaging a movable item container embodied as ashopping cart 302. In FIG. 3A, the motorized transport unit 202 is inthe orientation of FIG. 2A such that it is retracted and able to move inposition underneath a portion of the shopping cart 302. Once themotorized transport unit 202 is in position (e.g., using sensors), asillustrated in FIG. 3B, the motorized transport unit 202 is moved to theextended position of FIG. 2B such that the front portion 304 of theshopping cart is lifted off of the ground by the motorized transportunit 202, with the wheels 306 at the rear of the shopping cart 302remaining on the ground. In this orientation, the motorized transportunit 202 is able to move the shopping cart 302 throughout the shoppingfacility. It is noted that in these embodiments, the motorized transportunit 202 does not bear the weight of the entire cart 302 since the rearwheels 306 rest on the floor. It is understood that in some embodiments,the motorized transport unit 202 may be configured to detachably engageother types of movable item containers, such as rocket carts, flatbedcarts or other mobile baskets or platforms.

FIG. 4 presents a more detailed example of some embodiments of themotorized transport unit 102 of FIG. 1. In this example, the motorizedtransport unit 102 has a housing 402 that contains (partially or fully)or at least supports and carries a number of components. Thesecomponents include a control unit 404 comprising a control circuit 406that, like the control circuit 108 of the central computer system 106,controls the general operations of the motorized transport unit 102.Accordingly, the control unit 404 also includes a memory 408 coupled tothe control circuit 406 and that stores, for example, operatinginstructions and/or useful data.

The control circuit 406 operably couples to a motorized wheel system410. This motorized wheel system 410 functions as a locomotion system topermit the motorized transport unit 102 to move within theaforementioned retail or shopping facility 101 (thus, the motorizedwheel system 410 may more generically be referred to as a locomotionsystem). Generally speaking, this motorized wheel system 410 willinclude at least one drive wheel (i.e., a wheel that rotates (around ahorizontal axis) under power to thereby cause the motorized transportunit 102 to move through interaction with, for example, the floor of theshopping facility 101). The motorized wheel system 410 can include anynumber of rotating wheels and/or other floor-contacting mechanisms asmay be desired and/or appropriate to the application setting.

The motorized wheel system 410 also includes a steering mechanism ofchoice. One simple example in these regards comprises one or more of theaforementioned wheels that can swivel about a vertical axis to therebycause the moving motorized transport unit 102 to turn as well.

Numerous examples of motorized wheel systems are known in the art.Accordingly, further elaboration in these regards is not provided herefor the sake of brevity save to note that the aforementioned controlcircuit 406 is configured to control the various operating states of themotorized wheel system 410 to thereby control when and how the motorizedwheel system 410 operates.

In this illustrative example, the control circuit 406 also operablycouples to at least one wireless transceiver 412 that operates accordingto any known wireless protocol. This wireless transceiver 412 cancomprise, for example, a Wi-Fi-compatible and/or Bluetooth-compatibletransceiver that can communicate with the aforementioned centralcomputer system 106 via the aforementioned wireless network 124 of theshopping facility 101. So configured the control circuit 406 of themotorized transport unit 102 can provide information to the centralcomputer system 106 and can receive information and/or instructions fromthe central computer system 106. As one simple example in these regards,the control circuit 406 can receive instructions from the centralcomputer system 106 regarding movement of the motorized transport unit102.

These teachings will accommodate using any of a wide variety of wirelesstechnologies as desired and/or as may be appropriate in a givenapplication setting. These teachings will also accommodate employing twoor more different wireless transceivers 412 if desired.

The control circuit 406 also couples to one or more on-board sensors414. These teachings will accommodate a wide variety of sensortechnologies and form factors. By one approach at least one such sensor414 can comprise a light sensor or light receiver. When theaforementioned location detection system 116 comprises a plurality oflight emitters disposed at particular locations within the shoppingfacility 101, such a light sensor can provide information that thecontrol circuit 406 and/or the central computer system 106 employs todetermine a present location and/or orientation of the motorizedtransport unit 102.

As another example, such a sensor 414 can comprise a distancemeasurement unit configured to detect a distance between the motorizedtransport unit 102 and one or more objects or surfaces around themotorized transport unit 102 (such as an object that lies in a projectedpath of movement for the motorized transport unit 102 through theshopping facility 101). These teachings will accommodate any of avariety of distance measurement units including optical units andsound/ultrasound units. In one example, a sensor 414 comprises a laserdistance sensor device capable of determining a distance to objects inproximity to the sensor. In some embodiments, a sensor 414 comprises anoptical based scanning device to sense and read optical patterns inproximity to the sensor, such as bar codes variously located onstructures in the shopping facility 101. In some embodiments, a sensor414 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader capableof reading RFID tags in proximity to the sensor. Such sensors may beuseful to determine proximity to nearby objects, avoid collisions,orient the motorized transport unit at a proper alignment orientation toengage a movable item container, and so on.

The foregoing examples are intended to be illustrative and are notintended to convey an exhaustive listing of all possible sensors.Instead, it will be understood that these teachings will accommodatesensing any of a wide variety of circumstances or phenomena to supportthe operating functionality of the motorized transport unit 102 in agiven application setting.

By one optional approach an audio input 416 (such as a microphone)and/or an audio output 418 (such as a speaker) can also operably coupleto the control circuit 406. So configured the control circuit 406 canprovide a variety of audible sounds to thereby communicate with a userof the motorized transport unit 102, other persons in the vicinity ofthe motorized transport unit 102, or even other motorized transportunits 102 in the area. These audible sounds can include any of a varietyof tones and other non-verbal sounds. These audible sounds can alsoinclude, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith,pre-recorded or synthesized speech.

The audio input 416, in turn, provides a mechanism whereby, for example,a user provides verbal input to the control circuit 406. That verbalinput can comprise, for example, instructions, inquiries, orinformation. So configured, a user can provide, for example, a questionto the motorized transport unit 102 (such as, “Where are the towels?”).The control circuit 406 can cause that verbalized question to betransmitted to the central computer system 106 via the motorizedtransport unit's wireless transceiver 412. The central computer system106 can process that verbal input to recognize the speech content and tothen determine an appropriate response. That response might comprise,for example, transmitting back to the motorized transport unit 102specific instructions regarding how to move the motorized transport unit102 (via the aforementioned motorized wheel system 410) to the locationin the shopping facility 101 where the towels are displayed.

In this example the motorized transport unit 102 includes a rechargeablepower source 420 such as one or more batteries. The power provided bythe rechargeable power source 420 can be made available to whichevercomponents of the motorized transport unit 102 require electricalenergy. By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 includes a plugor other electrically conductive interface that the control circuit 406can utilize to automatically connect to an external source of electricalenergy to thereby recharge the rechargeable power source 420.

By one approach the motorized transport unit 102 comprises an integralpart of a movable item container 104 such as a grocery cart. As usedherein, this reference to “integral” will be understood to refer to anon-temporary combination and joinder that is sufficiently complete soas to consider the combined elements to be as one. Such a joinder can befacilitated in a number of ways including by securing the motorizedtransport unit housing 402 to the item container using bolts or otherthreaded fasteners as versus, for example, a clip.

These teachings will also accommodate selectively and temporarilyattaching the motorized transport unit 102 to an item container 104. Insuch a case the motorized transport unit 102 can include a movable itemcontainer coupling structure 422. By one approach this movable itemcontainer coupling structure 422 operably couples to a control circuit202 to thereby permit the latter to control, for example, the latchedand unlatched states of the movable item container coupling structure422. So configured, by one approach the control circuit 406 canautomatically and selectively move the motorized transport unit 102 (viathe motorized wheel system 410) towards a particular item containeruntil the movable item container coupling structure 422 can engage theitem container to thereby temporarily physically couple the motorizedtransport unit 102 to the item container. So latched, the motorizedtransport unit 102 can then cause the item container to move with themotorized transport unit 102. In embodiments such as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-3B, the movable item container coupling structure 422 includesa lifting system (e.g., including an electric drive or motor) to cause aportion of the body or housing 402 to engage and lift a portion of theitem container off of the ground such that the motorized transport unit102 can carry a portion of the item container. In other embodiments, themovable transport unit latches to a portion of the movable itemcontainer without lifting a portion thereof off of the ground.

In either case, by combining the motorized transport unit 102 with anitem container, and by controlling movement of the motorized transportunit 102 via the aforementioned central computer system 106, theseteachings will facilitate a wide variety of useful ways to assist bothcustomers and associates in a shopping facility setting. For example,the motorized transport unit 102 can be configured to follow aparticular customer as they shop within the shopping facility 101. Thecustomer can then place items they intend to purchase into the itemcontainer that is associated with the motorized transport unit 102.

In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 includes aninput/output (I/O) device 424 that is coupled to the control circuit406. The I/O device 424 allows an external device to couple to thecontrol unit 404. The function and purpose of connecting devices willdepend on the application. In some examples, devices connecting to theI/O device 424 may add functionality to the control unit 404, allow theexporting of data from the control unit 404, allow the diagnosing of themotorized transport unit 102, and so on.

In some embodiments, the motorized transport unit 102 includes a userinterface 426 including for example, user inputs and/or user outputs ordisplays depending on the intended interaction with the user. Forexample, user inputs could include any input device such as buttons,knobs, switches, touch sensitive surfaces or display screens, and so on.Example user outputs include lights, display screens, and so on. Theuser interface 426 may work together with or separate from any userinterface implemented at a user interface unit 114 (such as a smartphone or tablet device).

The control unit 404 includes a memory 408 coupled to the controlcircuit 406 and that stores, for example, operating instructions and/oruseful data. The control circuit 406 can comprise a fixed-purposehard-wired platform or can comprise a partially or wholly programmableplatform. These architectural options are well known and understood inthe art and require no further description here. This control circuit406 is configured (for example, by using corresponding programmingstored in the memory 408 as will be well understood by those skilled inthe art) to carry out one or more of the steps, actions, and/orfunctions described herein. The memory 408 may be integral to thecontrol circuit 406 or can be physically discrete (in whole or in part)from the control circuit 406 as desired. This memory 408 can also belocal with respect to the control circuit 406 (where, for example, bothshare a common circuit board, chassis, power supply, and/or housing) orcan be partially or wholly remote with respect to the control circuit406. This memory 408 can serve, for example, to non-transitorily storethe computer instructions that, when executed by the control circuit406, cause the control circuit 406 to behave as described herein. (Asused herein, this reference to “non-transitorily” will be understood torefer to a non-ephemeral state for the stored contents (and henceexcludes when the stored contents merely constitute signals or waves)rather than volatility of the storage media itself and hence includesboth non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM) as well asvolatile memory (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM).)

It is noted that not all components illustrated in FIG. 4 are includedin all embodiments of the motorized transport unit 102. That is, somecomponents may be optional depending on the implementation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram that may generallyrepresent any number of various electronic components of the system 100that are computer type devices. The computer device 500 includes acontrol circuit 502, a memory 504, a user interface 506 and aninput/output (I/O) interface 508 providing any type of wired and/orwireless connectivity to the computer device 500, all coupled to acommunication bus 510 to allow data and signaling to pass therebetween.Generally, the control circuit 502 and the memory 504 may be referred toas a control unit. The control circuit 502, the memory 504, the userinterface 506 and the I/O interface 508 may be any of the devicesdescribed herein or as understood in the art. The functionality of thecomputer device 500 will depend on the programming stored in the memory504. The computer device 500 may represent a high level diagram for oneor more of the central computer system 106, the motorized transport unit102, the user interface unit 114, the location detection system 116, theuser interface computer 128, the MTU docking station 122 and the MTUdispenser 120, or any other device or component in the system that isimplemented as a computer device.

Additional Features Overview

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-5, the shopping assistance system 100 mayimplement one or more of several different features depending on theconfiguration of the system and its components. The following provides abrief description of several additional features that could beimplemented by the system. One or more of these features could also beimplemented in other systems separate from embodiments of the system.This is not meant to be an exhaustive description of all features andnot meant to be an exhaustive description of the details any one of thefeatures. Further details with regards to one or more features beyondthis overview may be provided herein.

Tagalong Steering: This feature allows a given motorized transport unit102 to lead or follow a user (e.g., a customer and/or a worker)throughout the shopping facility 101. For example, the central computersystem 106 uses the location detection system 116 to determine thelocation of the motorized transport unit 102. For example, LED smartlights (e.g., the ByteLight system) of the location detection system 116transmit a location number to smart devices which are with the customer(e.g., user interface units 114), and/or on the item container104/motorized transport unit 102. The central computer system 106receives the LED location numbers received by the smart devices throughthe wireless network 124. Using this information, in some embodiments,the central computer system 106 uses a grid placed upon a 2D CAD map and3D point cloud model (e.g., from the databases 126) to direct, track,and plot paths for the other devices. Using the grid, the motorizedtransport unit 102 can drive a movable item container 104 in a straightpath rather than zigzagging around the facility. As the user moves fromone grid to another, the motorized transport unit 102 drives thecontainer 104 from one grid to the other. In some embodiments, as theuser moves towards the motorized transport unit, it stays still untilthe customer moves beyond an adjoining grid.

Detecting Objects: In some embodiments, motorized transport units 102detect objects through several sensors mounted on motorized transportunit 102, through independent cameras (e.g., video cameras 118), throughsensors of a corresponding movable item container 104, and throughcommunications with the central computer system 106. In someembodiments, with semi-autonomous capabilities, the motorized transportunit 102 will attempt to avoid obstacles, and if unable to avoid, itwill notify the central computer system 106 of an exception condition.In some embodiments, using sensors 414 (such as distance measurementunits, e.g., laser or other optical-based distance measurement sensors),the motorized transport unit 102 detects obstacles in its path, and willmove to avoid, or stop until the obstacle is clear.

Visual Remote Steering: This feature enables movement and/or operationof a motorized transport unit 102 to be controlled by a user on-site,off-site, or anywhere in the world. This is due to the architecture ofsome embodiments where the central computer system 106 outputs thecontrol signals to the motorized transport unit 102. These controlssignals could have originated at any device in communication with thecentral computer system 106. For example, the movement signals sent tothe motorized transport unit 102 may be movement instructions determinedby the central computer system 106; commands received at a userinterface unit 114 from a user; and commands received at the centralcomputer system 106 from a remote user not located at the shoppingfacility space.

Determining Location: Similar to that described above, this featureenables the central computer system 106 to determine the location ofdevices in the shopping facility 101. For example, the central computersystem 106 maps received LED light transmissions, Bluetooth low energyradio signals or audio signals (or other received signals encoded withlocation data) to a 2D map of the shopping facility. Objects within thearea of the shopping facility are also mapped and associated with thosetransmissions. Using this information, the central computer system 106can determine the location of devices such as motorized transport units.

Digital Physical Map Integration: In some embodiments, the system 100 iscapable of integrating 2D and 3D maps of the shopping facility withphysical locations of objects and workers. Once the central computersystem 106 maps all objects to specific locations using algorithms,measurements and LED geo-location, for example, grids are applied whichsections off the maps into access ways and blocked sections. Motorizedtransport units 102 use these grids for navigation and recognition. Insome cases, grids are applied to 2D horizontal maps along with 3Dmodels. In some cases, grids start at a higher unit level and then canbe broken down into smaller units of measure by the central computersystem 106 when needed to provide more accuracy.

Calling a Motorized Transport Unit: This feature provides multiplemethods to request and schedule a motorized transport unit 102 forassistance in the shopping facility. In some embodiments, users canrequest use of a motorized transport unit 102 through the user interfaceunit 114. The central computer system 106 can check to see if there isan available motorized transport unit. Once assigned to a given user,other users will not be able to control the already assigned transportunit. Workers, such as store associates, may also reserve multiplemotorized transport units in order to accomplish a coordinated largejob.

Locker Delivery: In some embodiments, one or more motorized transportunits 102 may be used to pick, pack, and deliver items to a particularstorage locker 132. The motorized transport units 102 can couple to andmove the storage locker to a desired location. In some embodiments, oncedelivered, the requestor will be notified that the items are ready to bepicked up, and will be provided the locker location and locker securitycode key.

Route Optimization: In some embodiments, the central computer systemautomatically generates a travel route for one or more motorizedtransport units through the shopping facility space. In someembodiments, this route is based on one or more of a user provided listof items entered by the user via a user interface unit 114; userselected route preferences entered by the user via the user interfaceunit 114; user profile data received from a user information database(e.g., from one of databases 126); and product availability informationfrom a retail inventory database (e.g., from one of databases 126). Insome cases, the route intends to minimize the time it takes to getthrough the facility, and in some cases, may route the shopper to theleast busy checkout area. Frequently, there will be multiple possibleoptimum routes. The route chosen may take the user by things the user ismore likely to purchase (in case they forgot something), and away fromthings they are not likely to buy (to avoid embarrassment). That is,routing a customer through sporting goods, women's lingerie, baby food,or feminine products, who has never purchased such products based onpast customer behavior would be non-productive, and potentiallyembarrassing to the customer. In some cases, a route may be determinedfrom multiple possible routes based on past shopping behavior, e.g., ifthe customer typically buys a cold Diet Coke product, children's shoesor power tools, this information would be used to add weight to the bestalternative routes, and determine the route accordingly.

Store Facing Features: In some embodiments, these features enablefunctions to support workers in performing store functions. For example,the system can assist workers to know what products and items are on theshelves and which ones need attention. For example, using 3D scanningand point cloud measurements, the central computer system can determinewhere products are supposed to be, enabling workers to be alerted tofacing or zoning of issues along with potential inventory issues.

Phone Home: This feature allows users in a shopping facility 101 to beable to contact remote users who are not at the shopping facility 101and include them in the shopping experience. For example, the userinterface unit 114 may allow the user to place a voice call, a videocall, or send a text message. With video call capabilities, a remoteperson can virtually accompany an in-store shopper, visually sharing theshopping experience while seeing and talking with the shopper. One ormore remote shoppers may join the experience.

Returns: In some embodiments, the central computer system 106 can task amotorized transport unit 102 to keep the returns area clear of returnedmerchandise. For example, the transport unit may be instructed to move acart from the returns area to a different department or area. Suchcommands may be initiated from video analytics (the central computersystem analyzing camera footage showing a cart full), from an associatecommand (digital or verbal), or on a schedule, as other priority tasksallow. The motorized transport unit 102 can first bring an empty cart tothe returns area, prior to removing a full one.

Bring a Container: One or more motorized transport units can retrieve amovable item container 104 (such as a shopping cart) to use. Forexample, upon a customer or worker request, the motorized transport unit102 can re-position one or more item containers 104 from one location toanother. In some cases, the system instructs the motorized transportunit where to obtain an empty item container for use. For example, thesystem can recognize an empty and idle item container that has beenabandoned or instruct that one be retrieved from a cart storage area. Insome cases, the call to retrieve an item container may be initiatedthrough a call button placed throughout the facility, or through theinterface of a user interface unit 114.

Respond to Voice Commands: In some cases, control of a given motorizedtransport unit is implemented through the acceptance of voice commands.For example, the user may speak voice commands to the motorizedtransport unit 102 itself and/or to the user interface unit 114. In someembodiments, a voice print is used to authorize to use of a motorizedtransport unit 102 to allow voice commands from single user at a time.

Retrieve Abandoned Item Containers: This feature allows the centralcomputer system to track movement of movable item containers in andaround the area of the shopping facility 101, including both the salefloor areas and the back-room areas. For example, using visualrecognition through store cameras 118 or through user interface units114, the central computer system 106 can identify abandoned andout-of-place movable item containers. In some cases, each movable itemcontainer has a transmitter or smart device which will send a uniqueidentifier to facilitate tracking or other tasks and its position usingLED geo-location identification. Using LED geo-location identificationwith the Determining Location feature through smart devices on eachcart, the central computer system 106 can determine the length of time amovable item container 104 is stationary.

Stocker Assistance: This feature allows the central computer system totrack movement of merchandise flow into and around the back-room areas.For example, using visual recognition and captured images, the centralcomputer system 106 can determine if carts are loaded or not for movingmerchandise between the back room areas and the sale floor areas. Tasksor alerts may be sent to workers to assign tasks.

Self-Docking: Motorized transport units 102 will run low or out of powerwhen used. Before this happens, the motorized transport units 102 needto recharge to stay in service. According to this feature, motorizedtransport units 102 will self-dock and recharge (e.g., at a MTU dockingstation 122) to stay at maximum efficiency, when not in use. When use iscompleted, the motorized transport unit 102 will return to a dockingstation 122. In some cases, if the power is running low during use, areplacement motorized transport unit can be assigned to move intoposition and replace the motorized transport unit with low power. Thetransition from one unit to the next can be seamless to the user.

Item Container Retrieval: With this feature, the central computer system106 can cause multiple motorized transport units 102 to retrieveabandoned item containers from exterior areas such as parking lots. Forexample, multiple motorized transport units are loaded into a movabledispenser, e.g., the motorized transport units are vertically stacked inthe dispenser. The dispenser is moved to the exterior area and thetransport units are dispensed. Based on video analytics, it isdetermined which item containers 104 are abandoned and for how long. Atransport unit will attach to an abandoned cart and return it to astorage bay.

Motorized Transport Unit Dispenser: This feature provides the movabledispenser that contains and moves a group of motorized transport unitsto a given area (e.g., an exterior area such as a parking lot) to bedispensed for use. For example, motorized transport units can be movedto the parking lot to retrieve abandoned item containers 104. In somecases, the interior of the dispenser includes helically wound guiderails that mate with the guide member 208 to allow the motorizedtransport units to be guided to a position to be dispensed.

Specialized Module Retrieval: This feature allows the system 100 totrack movement of merchandise flow into and around the sales floor areasand the back-room areas including special modules that may be needed tomove to the sales floor. For example, using video analytics, the systemcan determine if a modular unit it loaded or empty. Such modular unitsmay house items that are of seasonal or temporary use on the salesfloor. For example, when it is raining, it is useful to move a moduleunit displaying umbrellas from a back room area (or a lesser accessedarea of the sales floor) to a desired area of the sales floor area.

Authentication: This feature uses a voice imprint with an attentioncode/word to authenticate a user to a given motorized transport unit.One motorized transport unit can be swapped for another using thisauthentication. For example, a token is used during the session with theuser. The token is a unique identifier for the session which is droppedonce the session is ended. A logical token may be a session id used bythe application of the user interface unit 114 to establish the sessionid when user logs on and when deciding to do use the system 100. In someembodiments, communications throughout the session are encrypted usingSSL or other methods at transport level.

Further Details of Some Embodiments

In accordance with some embodiments, further details are now providedfor one or more of these and other features. By one approach, theseteachings will accommodate providing a housing configured to contain aplurality of motorized transport units in a stacked relationship to oneanother, with a bottom-most one of the plurality of motorized transportunits serving as a locomotion mechanism that selectively causes movementof the housing with the plurality of motorized transport units containedtherein.

By one approach the aforementioned housing has a cylindrical form factorand includes a cylindrically-shaped chamber configured to receive theplurality of motorized transport units in the aforementioned stackedrelationship to one another. These teachings will accommodate a verysimple structure in these regards if desired. By one approach, forexample, this housing includes no lifting mechanism to lift any of themotorized transport units into itself. These teachings will alsoaccommodate the housing having no integral locomotion mechanism by whichthe housing can move itself.

By one approach the housing's cylindrically-shaped chamber includes atleast one track formed therein to receive a corresponding part of eachof the plurality of motorized transport units. The accommodated part cancomprise, for example, the aforementioned guide member. So configured,the motorized transport units can engage that track (or tracks) tothereby lift themselves into the interior of the housing.

So configured, a plurality of motorized transport units can be readilyand conveniently moved from one location to another. Using this approachcan help preserve stored energy for the motorized transport units thatare not serving as the locomotion mechanism that causes movement of thehousing. This approach also creates a highly-visible structure that isconsiderably easier for a vehicle driver or pedestrian to note andavoid. Accordingly, such a housing can be particularly effective whenused to transport motorized transport units to a parking lot whendeploying those motorized transport units to, for example, retrieveabandoned shopping carts in that parking lot.

FIG. 6 provides an illustrative process 600 in these regards. It will beunderstood that the specifics of this example are intended to serve inan illustrative capacity and are not intended to specify any particularlimitations with respect to these teachings. For the sake of thisillustrative example it is presumed that the aforementioned centralcomputer system 106 carries out this process 600.

At block 601 the central computer system 106 instructs a plurality ofthe aforementioned motorized transport units 102 to enter a housing thatis configured to contain that plurality of motorized transport units 102in a stacked relationship to one another. FIG. 7 provides anillustrative example of such a housing 700. In this example the housing700 comprises a relatively simple construct that lacks, for example, anyintegral powered lifting mechanism to itself lift any of the pluralityof motorized transport units 102 into itself and also includes nointegral locomotion mechanism (such as an engine or motor) by which thehousing can move itself.

In this illustrative example” the housing 700 comprises a cylinder 701having, at least in part, a cylindrical form factor that furtherincludes a cylindrically-shaped internal chamber that is open andaccessible at the bottom of the housing 700. This cylindrically-shapedhousing is configured to receive the motorized transport units 102 inthe aforementioned stacked relationship to one another as describedbelow in more detail.

In this example the housing 700 has a lower portion 702 and an upperportion 703. Generally speaking the lower portion 702 serves to includethe cylindrically-shaped internal chamber and hence serves as areceiving area for the motorized transport units 102. The upper portion702 may or may not be substantially hollow as well but does not serve tohouse any of the motorized transport units 102. One purpose served bythe upper portion 702 is to increase the visible height of the housing700 to thereby increase the visibility of the housing 700 when locatedin, for example, a parking lot for vehicles. If desired, the upperand/or lower portions 702 and 703 can be internally illuminated tothereby further increase the visibility of the housing 700.

Support panels 704 are disposed at the bottom of the housing 700 andserve to both support the weight of the housing 700 and to define apoint of ingress and egress for motorized transport units 102. Thesesupport panels 704 include grooved tracks formed therein to receiveguide members 208 that protrude outwardly of the motorized transportunits 102 as described above.

By one approach, and as shown in FIG. 8, the housing 700 may furthercontain or otherwise support one or more sensors 801. This sensor isconfigured to sense at least one attribute of the local externalenvironment of the housing 700. That information regarding the externalenvironment of the housing 700 is provided by a corresponding controlcircuit 802 to a wireless interface 803 of choice (in this case, a Wi-Fitransceiver). So configured, that external environment information canbe provided by the housing to the central computer system 106 and/or toone or more of the motorized transport units 102 that are containedwithin the housing 700.

These teachings will accommodate a variety of sensors as appropriate tothe needs and/or opportunities posed by a particular applicationsetting. Examples include, but are not limited to, temperature sensors,light sensors, cameras (including video cameras), motion sensors,pressure sensors, heat sensors, moisture sensors, acceleration sensors,chemical sensors, and so forth.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the housing 700 can also include one ormore tracks formed in the aforementioned cylindrically-shaped chamberand hence on an interior wall of the housing 700. These tracks, by oneapproach, can more specifically comprise a groove having a rectangularshaped cross section and parallel sidewalls that are disposedorthogonally with respect to the interior wall of the housing 700. Thewidth and depth of these grooves can be sized to accommodate theaforementioned guide members 208 of the motorized transport units 102.So configured, the guide members 208 are reliably and appropriatelyreceived within corresponding grooves and hence these grooves cantherefore serve to both constrain a direction of movement of a motorizedtransport unit 102 within the cylindrically-shaped chamber and can also,at least in some cases, provide a support surface against which themotorized transport unit 102 can bias itself and hence effect movementwithin the cylindrically-shaped chamber.

At least one of these grooves can comprise a vertically-oriented track901. By one approach this vertically-oriented track 901 extends from (orabout from) the bottom of the cylindrically-shaped chamber to the top(or about the top) of the cylindrically-shaped chamber (and/or the lowerportion 702 of the housing 700). By one approach thecylindrically-shaped chamber includes two such vertically-orientedtracks 901 disposed 180° apart from one another. By another approach thecylindrically-shaped chamber includes four such vertically-orientedtracks 901, each such track 901 being positioned 90° apart from itsadjacent vertically-oriented tracks 901. As will be described below inmore detail, such a vertically-oriented track 901 can serve to guidemovement of a corresponding motorized transport unit 102.

At least another of these grooves can comprise a horizontally-orientedtrack 902. For many application settings there will likely be aplurality of such horizontally-oriented tracks 902 that are verticallydisplaced from one another in the cylindrically-shaped chamber. By oneapproach, and as illustrated, each such horizontally-oriented track 902can comprise a relatively short track that extends to either side of acorresponding vertically-oriented track 901. In the illustrated examplethe horizontally-oriented track 902 extends a substantially equaldistance on either side of the vertically-oriented track 901.

These teachings will accommodate a great variety of other approaches inthese regards, however. By one approach, for example, thehorizontally-oriented tracks 902 may only extend away from thevertically-oriented track 901 on one side of the vertically-orientedtrack 901 and not both sides. By another approach, and as anotherexample, a single horizontally-oriented track 902 may extend around theentire interior periphery of the cylindrically-shaped chamber and henceform a horizontal ring that intersects each and every one of thevertically-oriented tracks 901 at that particular vertical level. Theseteachings will accommodate other variations as well as may suit theneeds of a given application setting.

So configured, these horizontally-oriented tracks 902 can also serve toreceive the aforementioned guide members 208 of a correspondingmotorized transport unit 102. As will be described below, so positioningsuch a guide member 208 can serve to provide a surface against which themotorized transport unit 102 can bias itself to thereby facilitatemoving upwardly or downwardly in the cylindrically-shaped chamber.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-17, one approach to employing such tracks topermit a motorized transport unit 102 to move itself upwardly in thecylindrically-shaped chamber will be described.

FIG. 11 illustrates a motorized transport unit 102 that is presentlysupported by the ground and that has positioned itself at the bottom ofthe cylindrically-shaped chamber of the housing 700. The motorizedtransport unit 102 has also positioned its guide members 208.1 and 208.2(as located respectively on the upper body portion 206 and the lowerbody portion 204 of the motorized transport unit 102) in theaforementioned vertically-oriented track 901. (A typical motorizedtransport unit 102 will likely have more than these two guide members208 and, similarly, a typical housing 700 will have more than the onevertically-oriented track 901 shown in FIG. 11. Only one suchvertically-oriented track and two such guide members 208 are used inthis illustrative example for the sake of simplicity and clarity.) Itwill be noted that the upper body portion 206 and the lower body portion204 of the motorized transport unit 102 are fully (or at least mostly)telescoped inwardly towards a fully-contracted configuration.

FIG. 12 depicts the upper body portion 206 of the motorized transportunit 102 having telescoped upwardly within the cylindrically-shapedchamber. The guide member 208.1 on the upper body portion 206 remains inthe vertically-oriented track 901 as does the guide member 208.2 on thelower body portion 204. Although the upper body portion 206 is nowdisposed upwardly within the cylindrically-shaped chamber, the lowerbody portion 204 remains in contact with the ground.

In FIG. 13 the upper body portion 206 has rotated counterclockwise a fewinches (such as 1 to 6 inches) to thereby move the upper body portion'sguide member 208.1 along a corresponding one of thehorizontally-oriented tracks 1201. The lower body portion 204 did notrotate and its guide member 208.2 remains where it was in thevertically-oriented track 901.

In FIG. 14 the lower body portion 204 of the motorized transport unit102 telescopes inwardly of the upper body portion 206 to thereby liftthe lower body portion 204 off the ground. The upper body portion 206 isable to remain in its previously-attained vertical level due to theplacement and lodging of the upper body portion's guide member 208.1 inthe horizontally-oriented track. It may also be noted that the guidemember 208.2 for the lower body portion 204 is now in line with anotherof the horizontally-oriented tracks 1401.

In FIG. 15 the lower body portion 204 of the motorized transport unit102 has rotated counterclockwise to thereby move its guide member 208.2along its corresponding horizontally-aligned track 1401. The upper bodyportion 206 and its guide member 208.1 has remained essentiallystationary during that activity.

In FIG. 16 the upper body portion 206 of the motorized transport unit102 has rotated clockwise to thereby move its guide member 208.1 alongits corresponding horizontally-oriented track 1201 until the guidemember 208.1 is again in the vertically-oriented track 901. The lowerbody portion 204 and its guide member 208.2 have remained essentiallystationary during that activity.

In FIG. 17 the upper body portion 206 of the motorized transport unit102 again telescopes outwardly/upwardly in order to move the upper bodyportion 206 further away from the lower body portion 204 within thecylindrically-shaped chamber. As this occurs the lower body portion 204remains at its previously-attained vertical level due to interactionbetween its guide member 208.2 and the horizontally-oriented track 1401that contains that guide member 208.2

So configured, a motorized transport unit 102 is able to itself moveupwardly within the housing 700 to a desired or otherwise assignedvertical level. The use of additional guide members 208 can help assuregreater stability with respect to such movement. A motorized transportunit 102 can lower itself in the housing 700 by simply reversing theabove-described procedure until the lower body portion 204 contacts theground.

Depending upon the relative sizing of the motorized transport units 102and such a housing 700, for many application settings it will be usefulto limit disposing no more than four such motorized transport units 102within a given housing 700, one atop another. Such a limit can helpprevent the center of gravity of a loaded housing 700 from being highenough to risk the housing 700 tipping over too easily during use.

With continued reference to FIG. 6 and with reference as well to FIG.18, as noted above, at block 601 the central computer system 106instructs a plurality of motorized transport units 102 to enter ahousing 700 that is configured as described above. FIG. 18 generallyillustrates this loading activity at the area denoted by “A.” Theseteachings are relatively flexible in these regards. By one approach, allof the motorized transport units 102 are loaded into the housing 700 ata shared location. By another approach one or more of the motorizedtransport units 102 is loaded at a different location than one or moreof the other motorized transport units 102. The loading area “A” mightcomprise, for example, a protected area of a parking lot (protected, forexample, by fencing or other barriers to avoid interaction withpassersby) or an area in a shopping cart bay near the front entrance ofa retail shopping facility, to note but two examples in these regards.

At block 602 the central computer system 106 instructs a bottom-most oneof the plurality of motorized transport units 102.1 to serve as alocomotion mechanism that selectively causes movement of the housing 700with the plurality of motorized transport units 102 contained therein.Being in contact with the ground, the bottom-most motorized transportunit 102.1 can effect the desired movement by simply itself moving inits ordinary fashion.

These teachings will accommodate a variety of follow-on actions asdesired. By one optional approach, for example, at block 603 the centralcomputer system 106 causes the housing 700 with the plurality ofmotorized transport units 102 contained therein to move into an actionarea. The area denoted by “B” in FIG. 18 illustrates such movement ofthe housing 700 towards an action area. An action area is simply an areawhere one or more of the motorized transport units 102 are to bedeployed in favor of accomplishing some task. The specific nature, size,and scope of the action area will vary with the application setting. Asone illustrative example in these regards, the action area can comprisea part of the parking lot having a number of abandoned shopping carts.

As the housing 700 moves, and as illustrated at optional block 604, thecentral computer system 106 can receive information regarding theexternal environment to the housing 700 and use that information tofurther control the selective movement of the housing 700 (via, forexample, control of the bottom-most motorized transport unit 102.1). Byone approach that information regarding the external environment isprovided by one or more sensors 801 as may comprise a part of thehousing 700 itself (as described above). By another approach, in lieu ofthe foregoing or in combination therewith, the central computer system106 may receive such information via other sources such as, but notlimited to, video cameras for the corresponding retail shopping facilitythat are located in the parking lot. So configured, and as oneillustrative example in these regards, the central computer system 106may alter the previously-assigned route for the housing 700 in order toavoid an obstacle that now newly constitutes a part of the externalenvironment for the housing 700.

At optional block 605 the central computer system 106 can causeindividual ones of the plurality of motorized transport units 102 toremove themselves from within the housing 700 and undertake at least oneassigned task in the aforementioned action area. FIG. 18 generallyillustrates such activity at “C.” In this example, the previouslybottom-most of the motorized transport units 102.1 has removed itselffrom the housing 700. The second bottom-most motorized transport unit102.2 then lowered itself as described above and also removed itselffrom the housing 700. The previously third bottom-most motorizedtransport unit 102.3 is now the current bottom-most motorized transportunit in the housing 700 and can either also remove itself from thehousing 700 or can now serve as a means of locomotion for the housing700. In this particular example it is presumed that this thirdbottom-most motorized transport unit 102.3 also removes itself from thehousing 700 in the action area.

At optional block 606 the central computer system 106 causes a lastremaining one of the plurality of motorized transport units (102.4 inFIG. 18 as appears in the area denoted by “D”) that is contained in thehousing 700 to move the housing 700 outside of the action area. By oneapproach, for example, the housing 700 may be moved to its originallocation (or to another location of choice) where a new load ofmotorized transport units 102 can be stacked therein. By anotherapproach the housing 700 may remain in or near the action area in orderto later retrieve the previously-deployed motorized transport units 102in order to then move those motorized transport units 102 to anotheraction area and/or back to the original staging/loading area. Otheroptions can be accommodated as appropriate to the needs of a particularapplication setting.

Such a housing 700 can be comprised of relatively inexpensive materials,such as many plastics, aluminum and other metals, various compositematerials, and so forth as desired. The housing 700, lacking any movingmechanical parts and/or motors or the like, is relatively maintenancefree and can likely serve in a typical application setting essentiallyfull-time with very little downtime for maintenance being anticipated.By providing an opportunity to more safely move motorized transportunits 102 to a given deployment area such a housing 700 can help toensure less downtime as well for the motorized transport units 102 andreduced confusion and unwanted interaction with various persons in thevicinity.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect tothe above described embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinationsare to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a housing configured tocontain a plurality of motorized transport units in a stackedrelationship to one another, an end-most one of the plurality ofmotorized transport units serving as a locomotion mechanism thatselectively causes movement of the housing with the plurality ofmotorized transport units contained therein, wherein the housingincludes no active mechanism to draw any of the plurality of motorizedtransport units into itself.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theend-most one of the plurality of motorized transport units comprises abottom-most one of the plurality of motorized transport units.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the housing further comprises at least onesensor configured to gather information regarding an externalenvironment to the housing.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thehousing further comprises at least one interface configured to transmitthe information regarding the external environment.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the housing includes no integral locomotion mechanism bywhich the housing can move itself.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a central computer system configured to communicate with atleast one of the plurality of motorized transport units to therebycontrol locomotion of the housing via the at least one of the pluralityof motorized transport units.
 7. A method comprising: by a centralcomputer system: instructing a plurality of motorized transport units toenter a housing that is configured to contain the plurality of motorizedtransport units in a stacked relationship to one another; instructing anend-most one of the plurality of motorized transport units to serve as alocomotion mechanism that selectively causes movement of the housingwith the plurality of motorized transport units contained therein. 8.The method of claim 7 wherein the end-most one of the plurality ofmotorized transport units comprises a bottom-most one of the pluralityof motorized transport units.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein thehousing includes no active mechanism to draw any of the plurality ofmotorized transport units into itself.
 10. The method of claim 7 whereinthe housing further comprises at least one sensor configured to gatherinformation regarding an external environment to the housing.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 further comprising: receiving the informationregarding the external environment to the housing and using theinformation when controlling the selective movement of the housing withthe plurality of motorized transport units contained therein.
 12. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the housing includes no integral locomotionmechanism by which the housing can move itself.
 13. The method of claim7 further comprising: causing the housing with the plurality ofmotorized transport units contained therein to move into an action area.14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: causing individual onesof the plurality of motorized transport units contained in the housingto remove themselves from within the housing and undertake at least oneassigned task in the action area.
 15. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising: causing a last remaining one of the plurality of motorizedtransport units contained in the housing to move the housing outside ofthe action area.